Executive Summary
Berkeley citizens recognize the magnitude of the threat that climate change poses and are eager to do something about it. In November 2006, Berkeley voters issued a call to action on the climate challenge by overwhelmingly endorsing ballot Measure G. The mandate was simple but bold: reduce our entire community's greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. The measure directs the Mayor to develop a Climate Action Plan to reach that target.
Berkeley Measure G:
Should the People of the City of Berkeley have a goal of 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and advise the Mayor to work with the community to develop a plan for Council adoption in 2007, which sets a ten year emissions reduction target and identifies actions by the City and residents to achieve both the ten year target and the ultimate goal of 80 percent emissions reductions?
Passed with 81% of the vote.
Mayor Bates embraced the Berkeley citizens' call to action and provided leadership in engaging the Berkeley community in a local climate action campaign. This plan, currently in draft form for public review and comment, is the result of the campaign that Measure G set in motion. It is built upon the ideas provided by hundreds of Berkeley residents who took advantage of the many opportunities to get involved.
